The Pittsburgh Steelers were playing in a highly-anticipated game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. This contest got a lot of attention because both teams entered the matchup with records of 5-2, and the winner of this showdown would be in sole possession of first place in the AFC North. The two franchises also have played already during the 2026 season back in Week 4, and the Browns won that game on a last-minute field goal. This time around, the Steelers were able to get a convincing win as Pittsburgh dismantled Cleveland as the final score was 27-6.
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Steelers' Cam Heyward celebrates a big play with inside linebacker Payton Wilson during a win over the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium during the 2026 regular season.
There were a ton of normal factors that made this a big game, and then there was the fact that a few players on the Browns couldn't stop speaking negatively about the Steelers throughout the last week. The most notable player that was talking was Jared Verse, and he is the player that called the Steelers offensive line dirty after the two teams met in Week 4.
He spoke about Cam Heyward, the offensive line for Pittsburgh, and running back Jaylen Warren. He had one tackle on the day, and Heyward lets his play speak for him as he had a sack and a half and batted down a pass.
Heyward spoke to the media after the win over the Browns, and he was asked if he had a chance to speak to Verse after the game. This stemmed from Heyward saying that Verse's comments would be addressed.
"I didn't." Heyward said. "Can't say I was looking for him really, there was a lot of people, you know, Buckeyes I wanted to see. Yeah, it's just a game. Not motivated by that. We were motivated because we wanted to get this d*mn win before we go into the bye week. There's bigger fish to fry."
Heyward had initially said earlier in the week that Verse's comments from after the Week 4 game would be addressed, and likely meant they would be addressed on the field and with the final score. That is exactly what happened as the Browns could not find the end zone, and the Cleveland defense couldn't really do anything. Especially Verse, he had a quiet day.
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Steelers' Cam Heyward warms up prior to a home game against the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 season.
All of the players in Pittsburgh that have been asked about Verse's comments have shared the same sentiment. No one was extra motivated by the comments from Cleveland, at least that is what they tell the media.
It was definitely a talking point in the locker room throughout the week of preparation, and Warren even fired back at Verse a little bit during his post game press conference. He earned the right to talk after playing one of the best games of his career as he rushed for over 140 yards and a score.
Steelers Get To Go Into Bye Week On A High Note
This was arguably the biggest game of the season for the Steelers up until this point in the year. The game was for sole possession of first place in the AFC North, and Pittsburgh was able to come out victorious and take the lead in the division.
The win also provided the team with some momentum as the team played its most complete game of the season. The defense looked dominant, and the offense was able to move the ball down the field consistently. The group scored three touchdowns and held the Browns to zero.
The Steelers now have the bye week to rest up and get as healthy as possible. The second half of the schedule is a bit tougher than what the team has faced up until this point of the season, but being 6-2 through eight games has put the franchise in a great spot moving forward in 2026.
What do you think about Heyward's comments about the beef with Verse? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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